Cullen to Portknockie Walk
This walk takes you along a popular section of the Moray Coast Trail from Cullen to Portknockie.
The route runs for just under 2 miles along a fairly flat coastal path. There's is a small cliff top climb towards the end of the walk though.
The area is very beautiful with a wide sweep of beach, wonderful rock formations and some tremendous coastal views. It's also great for seabirds with common eider, fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, common gull, razorbill and shag to look out for on the walk.
The walk starts from Cullen Harbour and follows the waymarked footpath west along Cullen Bay to Cullen Viaduct. The historic photogenic structure is one of the local highlights and often features in tourist guides and Scottish calendars.
The walk continues west to Scar Nose and the noteworthy natural arch of Bow Fiddle Rock. Shortly after you descend into the village of Portknockie where the walk finishes.
You can return the same way or turn it into a circular walk by following the inland shared cycling and walking trail. This runs along the old railway path on the other side of the golf course. See the Cullen Viaduct Walk for more details.
Cullen to Portknockie Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cullen to Portknockie Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cullen to Portknockie Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cullen to Portknockie Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area you could try the Cullen to Findlater Castle Walk which will take you east along the coast path to Findlater Castle. The photogenic castle dates back to the 14th century and is positioned in a dramatic coastal location. The Portsoy To Cullen Coastal Walk continues further east to Portsoy via the lovely secluded beach at Sandend Bay. Here you can also try the Portsoy Railway Walk. This short walk takes you along the old railway line to the Loch of Soy where there's some pleasant waterside footpaths.
Heading west will take you to Buckie on the longer Buckie to Findochty and Cullen Coastal Walk.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Cullen Harbour. The village is noted for Cullen Skink (a traditional soup made from smoked haddock, milk, potato and onion) and its former railway bridges, two of which are now part of the national cycle network.
Cullen Bay rocks
Cullen Beach. This is one of the best sweeps of sand on this stretch of the coast. The promonent white buildings on the right are Cullen Bay Hotel, lit by early morning sunshine.
Coastline west of Cullen Bay Amazing rock formations on the shore of the Moray Firth.
Bow Fiddle Rock. Photogenic rock formation near Portknockie. A popular site in the large rock stands at about 50 feet high just off the coast. The quartzite structure has a large sea arch, which somewhat resembles the bow of a fiddle, making it an example of a natural arch.
Three Creeks and the Claries
Portknockie. Traditional cottages clustered at the top of the cliff at Portknockie. The road in the foreground goes down to the harbour.
